Ellen Johnson - Too Good To Title (1993)

The recording debut of San Diego and Los Angeles-based singer Ellen Johnson, Too Good to Title matches the highly appealing singer (who has a wide range and is quite versatile) with a couple fine local rhythm sections (featuring pianist Rick Helzer); altoist Charles McPherson makes a guest appearance on the opening "Peggy's Blue Skylight." Other highlights include "Twisted," "Waltz for Debby," Duke Ellington's "Heaven," and the singer's "TV News Blues." Ellen Johnson deserves to be much better known, and her debut is well worth searching for.~Review by Scott Yanow